E-burg student to cook at Kentucky Derby

Tuesday

Apr 23, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Arthur H. Byra of East Stroudsburg will be one of 39 Pennsylvania College of Technology students to help prepare food for the thousands who will attend the 139th running of the storied Kentucky Derby. Byra is a culinary arts and systems major.

Arthur H. Byra of East Stroudsburg will be one of 39 Pennsylvania College of Technology students to help prepare food for the thousands who will attend the 139th running of the storied Kentucky Derby. Byra is a culinary arts and systems major.

Students in the college's School of Hospitality were interviewed on campus in February by Churchill Downs Executive Chef Jo Jo Doyle and Jennifer Cooper, human resources director for Levy Restaurants, which provides food services at Churchill Downs and other sports and entertainment venues nationwide. Students will be key to the preparation of all the sit-down meals served during the week.

There were 14 students selected to serve in Churchill Downs' new, invitation-only venue, The Mansion. The lavish restaurant accommodates 320 guests and features panoramic views of the track, including a covered outdoor terrace, dining room, living room, library, parlor and veranda, as well as personal concierge service. Students also will be posted in the main kitchen, the Turf Club, the Finish Line Suites and the Jockey Club Suites.

The group will embark Monday. During their week there, they will help set up satellite kitchens, begin the task of preparing thousands of pounds of ingredients and, in addition to Derby Day on May 4, will serve guests May 3 at the Kentucky Oaks race, which attracts about 100,000 fans.

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